Oral irrigator appliance with radiant energy delivery for bactericidal effect

ABSTRACT

An oral irrigator includes a base having a pump mechanism, a reservoir housed within the base and fluidically connected with the pump mechanism. A handle with a jet tip is connected with an outlet from the pump mechanism to receive a pressurized fluid stream from the reservoir to direct a fluid at a surface inside an oral cavity. The oral irrigator also includes a radiant energy source and delivery system for directing radiant energy at a surface inside an oral cavity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/385,554, filed 22Sep. 2010 and titled “Oral Irrigator Appliance with Radiant EnergyDelivery for Bactericidal Effect,” the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application isalso a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/729,076, filed 22 Mar. 2010 and titled “OralIrrigator Appliance with Radiant Energy Delivery for BactericidalEffect,” which claims the benefit of priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/162,126, filed 20Mar. 2009 and titled “Oral Irrigator Appliance with Radiant EnergyDelivery for Bactericidal Effect,” the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This technology relates to an oral irrigator, and more particularly toan oral irrigator including a radiant energy source to enhance thebacteria reducing effect.

BACKGROUND

An oral irrigator, also referred to as a dental water jet, includesgenerally a water reservoir supplying water to a pump, which in turndelivers water through a handle member having a tip structure, and intoa user's mouth. The tip structure is sized and oriented to allow theuser to direct the water stream against the user's teeth or gums asdesired. The water stream may be continuous or pulsed. The reservoir ofthe oral irrigator may be positioned on a counter top, or may be handheld. Examples of such oral irrigators are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,056,710 and 7,147,468 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2008/0008979.

The effectiveness of existing oral irrigators is derived by thedisruptive influence of the water stream on the bacteria found in themouth. The bacteria is dislodged by the water stream and delivered outof the mouth (either swallowed or rinsed out).

The information included in this Background section of thespecification, including any references cited herein and any descriptionor discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes onlyand is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of theinvention is to be bound.

SUMMARY

In one implementation, an oral irrigator for delivery radiant energyincludes a base housing, a pump mechanism, a reservoir operablyassociated with the base housing and fluidically associated with thepump mechanism, a jet tip fluidically associated with the reservoir thatdirects a fluid at a surface inside an oral cavity; and a radiant energysource directing radiant energy at a surface inside an oral cavity. Inone embodiment, the radiant energy source and the jet tip may be unitaryto direct both the fluid and the radiant energy in generally the samedirection. In another embodiment, the radiant energy source and the jettip may be separate structures collocated on a single irrigation wand.

In an another implementation, the oral irrigator for delivering radiantenergy may further include a radiant energy conduit that directs theradiant energy from the radiant energy source to the oral cavity. In oneembodiment, the radiant energy conduit and a fluid conduit of the jettip may be separate structures that together form the jet tip. Inanother embodiment, the radiant energy conduit and the fluid conduit maybe unitary and form the jet tip to direct both the fluid and the radiantenergy from the same terminal point in generally the same direction.

In a further implementation of an oral irrigator for delivering radiantenergy, the radiant energy source and the jet tip may be separatestructures or devices attached to the same base housing and able to beused individually.

In an alternate implementation, the oral irrigator may be a handhelddevice with the jet tip, the radiant energy source, and the reservoir inone body for easy maneuverability or use when traveling. The as in theprevious implementations described, the radiant energy source may beseparate from or unitary with the jet tip or the radiant energy may bedirected from the radiant energy source through a radiant energy conduitthat is either separate from or integral with a fluid conduit of the jettip.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Otherfeatures, details, utilities, and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following more particular written descriptionof various embodiments of the invention as further illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of an implementation of an oral irrigatorincluding a jet tip emitting radiant energy.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a terminal end of the jet tip of the oralirrigator shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an alternate implementation of an oralirrigator including a jet tip for emitting radiant energy.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the terminal end of the jet tip of theoral irrigator shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, isometric view of a jet tip of afurther implementation of an oral irrigator, wherein the radiant energysource is in the handle and radiant energy is transmitted via a lighttube to the terminal end of the jet tip.

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of an implementation of an oral irrigatorfor emitting radiant energy including a jet handle and tip for fluiddischarge and a separate handle for radiant energy application.

FIG. 4B is an isometric view depicting the oral irrigator of FIG. 4Awith the jet handle and tip removed from the base housing and reservoirunit.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of an implementation of an oral irrigatorfor emitting radiant energy with a single jet handle and tip includesboth a fluid conduit for directing fluid and an additional radiantenergy conduit for directing radiant energy from collocated terminalends.

FIG. 5B is an isometric view depicting the oral irrigator of FIG. 5Awith the jet handle and tip removed from the base housing and reservoirunit and the radiant energy conduit of the oral irrigator activated.

FIG. 5C is an enlarged partial view of the collocated radiant energyconduit tip and jet tip of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a collocated fluid conduit and radiantenergy conduit for an oral irrigator jet tip.

FIG. 6B is an isometric view of a molded lens system for focusing lightenergy into the radiant energy conduit of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a bar graph depicting the effects of an implementation of anoral irrigator with a radiant energy delivery system on undesirableblack pigmented bacteria as opposed to desirable non-black pigmentedbacteria in a typical oral cavity.

FIG. 8A is a side elevation view of an implementation of an oralirrigator jet tip that forms an integral radiant energy conduit.

FIG. 8B is a front elevation view of the oral irrigator jet tip of FIG.8A.

FIG. 8C is a bottom plan view of the oral irrigator jet tip of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is a cross section of the oral irrigator jet tip of FIG. 8Btaken along lines A-A.

FIG. 9A is a graph depicting the incoherent irradiance measured at adetector imparted by an oral irrigator tip of the implementation ofFIGS. 8A-8D in which the jet tip is formed as an integral radiant energyconduit and the radiant energy is transmitted without a correspondingwater stream.

FIG. 9B is a detector image of the incoherent irradiance levels graphedin FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a graph depicting the incoherent irradiance measured at adetector imparted by an oral irrigator tip of the implementation ofFIGS. 8A-8D in which the jet tip is formed as an integral radiant energyconduit and the radiant energy is transmitted in conjunction with acorresponding water stream.

FIG. 10B is a detector image of the incoherent irradiance levels graphedin FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a graph depicting the incoherent illuminance measured at adetector imparted by an oral irrigator tip of the implementation ofFIGS. 8A-8D in which the jet tip is formed of a tube of PMMA and theradiant energy is transmitted without a corresponding water stream.

FIG. 11B is a detector image of the incoherent illuminance levelsgraphed in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of another implementation of an oralirrigator jet handle with a radiant energy source transmitted via alight guide positioned coaxially within a fluid conduit of the jet tip.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the oral irrigator jet handle of FIG.12 taken along line 13-13.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a light guide used in the jet handle ofthe oral irrigator of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of the light guide of FIG. 14 takenalong line 15-15.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a collimator used in the jet handle ofthe oral irrigator of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the collimator of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the collimator of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a cross-section view of the collimator of FIG. 16 taken alongline 19-19 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a graph summarizing the efficacy comparison of surface mountradiant energy sources to radiant energy provided by fiber opticdelivery on the various organisms presented in Tables 9A-16B.

FIG. 21A is an isometric view of an implementation of an oral irrigatorincluding a radiant energy source disposed within a terminal end of ajet tip.

FIG. 21B is an enlarged view of the terminal end of the jet tip of theoral irrigator shown in FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22A is a cross-section view of the jet tip illustrated in FIG. 21Btaken along line 22A-22A in FIG. 21B.

FIG. 22B is a cross-section view of the interface between the jet tipand the handle illustrated in FIG. 21A taken along line 22B-22B in FIG.21A.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a removable radiantenergy source removed from the jet tip.

FIG. 24 is a cross-section view of the radiant energy source illustratedin FIG. 23 taken along line 24-24 in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a removableradiant energy source removed from the jet tip.

FIG. 26 is a cross-section view of the radiant energy source illustratedin FIG. 25 taken along line 26-26 in FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The technology disclosed herein pertains generally to the enhancement ofthe effectiveness of the traditional oral irrigator. In particular, theimpact of the water stream from the jet tip is enhanced by the additionof a radiant energy source that also works to reduce the bacteria in auser's mouth without also using chemical additives. The wavelength ofradiant energy is selected to closely match the adsorption peaks ofcertain black-pigmented oral bacteria. The radiant energy source may belocated in any number of positions so long as it is directed at leastpartially into the user's oral cavity when the oral irrigator is used.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict an implementation of an oral irrigator with aradiant energy delivery system 100. An oral irrigator 100 is shownhaving a base housing 102, which incorporates the pump powered by linevoltage. A reservoir 104 having a lid sits atop the base housing 102 andserves to supply the water to the jet tip 110. The reservoir 104 isfluidically connected to the pump in order to pump water through a waterline 111 to the jet handle 108. The jet tip 110 is fluidically connectedto the jet handle 108 so that the pumped water flows through the jet tip110. The jet tip 110 has a terminal end 114 that is positioned so as tocause the water stream to enter the oral cavity and flush bacteriatherefrom.

The radiant energy, in this instance is in the form of a light emittingdiode (LED) emitting light in the 350 to 450 nanometer range, preferablyin the 375-415 nm range, and even more preferably in the 405-415 nmrange, is configured relative to the terminal end 114 of the jet tip 110so the radiant energy is generally directed in at least a similardirection as the water stream. However, in other embodiments the radiantenergy may be in the form of a diode, such as a laser diode.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the radiant energy is created byfive surface-mount LEDs 116 positioned around the terminal end 114 ofthe jet tip. Each of the surface-mount LEDs 116 are electricallyconnected to a power source, typically the same as the one that powersthe pump in the base housing 102. In one embodiment, the electricalconnections are wires extending from each LED 116 to a common wire,which then extends down the jet tip 110, along the handle 108, along thewater line 111 to the base housing 102. In another embodiment, thecommon wire may be embedded in a sidewall of the jet tip 110 and furtherin a sidewall of the water line 111. In other embodiments, the LEDs 116may be connected in series.

Controls 112 may be positioned on the handle 108 and/or base housing 102to control the pressure and other characteristics of the water stream,as well as characteristics of the LEDs 116 (or other radiant energysources) for example, activation, deactivation, intensity level, andactivation time, among other options.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an alternative implementation of an oralirrigator 200 with a radiant energy delivery system. As in the priorfigures, the oral irrigator 200 is composed of a base housing 202, afluid reservoir 204, a lid 206, a handle 208, a jet tip 210, and one ormore controls or actuators 212. In this implementation a single LED 216is attached to one side of the terminal end 214 of the jet tip 210. TheLED 216 is mounted on a shoulder 218 formed on the terminal end 214 ofthe jet tip 210. This design makes the terminal end 214 of the jet tip210 a slightly larger in one dimension compared to a standard jet tip.The LED 216 is energized by lead wires contained or enveloped within thewall of jet tip 210. In other embodiments, the LED 216 may be a surfacemount configuration that connects with a receptacle formed in theshoulder 218 or otherwise on the terminal end 214 of the jet tip 210.

In an alternative implementation as shown in FIG. 3, the radiant lightsource may be positioned remote from the terminal end 314 of the jet tip310 and directed along the jet tip 310 for use. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, the radiant light source of the oral irrigator 300 is positionedon the handle 308 with the radiant energy transmitted to the terminalend 314 of the jet tip 310 by a radiant energy conduit 322, e.g., alight tube. The energy 322 may be terminated at a location 324 at oradjacent the terminal end 314 of the jet tip 310. Alternatively, thetermination location 324 of the radiant energy conduit 322 at a lengthshorter or longer than the terminal end 314 of the jet tip 310. In theembodiment of FIG. 3, the oral irrigator 300′ is a handheldconfiguration with the reservoir 304′ mounted to the handle 308′. Theradiant energy source may be mounted in the handle 308′ and powered bythe portable power supply (e.g., a rechargeable battery) containedwithin the handle 308′. In this example, the handle 308′ acts as a base,and includes a water pump mechanism and a control switch. The powersource powers the pump mechanism and the radiant energy source. Thecontrol switch controls the power to the pump mechanism and/or theradiant energy source to actuate or deactivate the respective function.These functions may also be controlled by separate control switches.

In various implementations, the radiant energy conduit 322 may be alight tube made of glass or plastic and may also include or be formed ofoptical fibers. In one embodiment, the light tube may be formed ofpoly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). In another embodiment, the light tubemay be formed as a glass or plastic fiber-optic light injector. Theembodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B allow the light source to be positionedremote from the terminal end 314 of the jet tip 310 to allow an LED,laser diode or other energy source to be used and to reduce exposure ofthe light source to moisture and physical impact with the user's oralcavity or other objects.

The radiant energy conduit 322 may also be aimed to cast the radiantenergy in the same direction as the jet tip 310 to converge at the samelocation as the water stream exiting the jet tip 310, or the radiantenergy may be directed generally in the same direction or in a differentdirection if desired. The radiant energy conduit 322 may also beselectively positionable to allow the user to adjust the position. Theradiant energy may be directed or focused to shine in the same area ofimpact of the water jet in order to take advantage of the water jetlifting away the gum from the tooth and allowing the radiant energy toreach bacteria below the gum line.

FIGS. 4A-4D depict another implementation of an oral irrigator 400 inwhich a water jet handle 408 operates to provide a water stream 418,while a separate delivery wand 420 operates to provide the applicationof radiant light through a radiant energy conduit 422. The base 402 ofthe oral irrigator 400 supports a reservoir 404 covered by a lid 406 anda storage recess 407 for holding the handle 408 and the wand 420. Thewater jet handle 408 includes a jet tip 410 and a water line 411communicating fluid from the pump to the jet tip 410 (as describedabove). Controls 412 on the base 402 and the water jet handle 408 allowsome control of the characteristics of the water stream.

Still referring to FIGS. 4A-B, the radiant energy delivery wand 420 isprovided for directing the radiant energy through the radiant energyconduit 422 into the user's oral cavity. The separate energy deliverywand 420 is connected to a power source at the base 402 by a power cord421. In an alternate embodiment, the energy delivery wand 420 may bebattery powered and not require a cord 421. The energy delivery wand 420may include a switch 412 for controlling the status of the radiantenergy, for example, activation and deactivation, and may also functionto set the intensity level of the radiant energy.

The water jet handle 408 may be removed from the storage recess 407 inthe base 402 and extended for use by the user to direct the water stream418 into the user's mouth as depicted in FIG. 4C. The energy deliverywand 420 may similarly be removed from the storage recess 407 in thebase 402 and extended for use by the user to direct the radiant energythrough the radiant energy conduit 422 into the user's mouth as shown inFIG. 4D.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict another implementation of an oral irrigator 500. Theoral irrigator 500 includes a base 502 for supporting a reservoir 504having a lid 506 and a single jet handle 508. The jet handle 508includes a jet tip 510 formed as a fluid conduit for directing a flow ofwater out of a terminal end 514 of the jet tip 510. The jet handle 508also includes radiant energy source 524 positioned near the terminal end514 of the jet tip 510. The radiant energy source 524 is positioned todirect light in at least generally the same direction of the terminalend 514 of the jet tip 510. In this example, the radiant energy source524 is positioned at the end of a second conduit 522 running along thelength of the water conduit 510. An electrical wire 521 runs along thesecond conduit 522, in this case within the interior cavity of thesecond conduit 522, to provide power to the radiant energy source 524positioned at the tip of the second conduit 522 as best shown in FIG.5C.

As shown in FIGS. 5-5C, the jet handle 508 includes a switch 512 tocontrol the water flow through the first water conduit 510. The sameswitch 512 may also control the activation, deactivation, and intensitycondition of the radiant energy source 524. Alternately, each may becontrolled by a switch 512 positioned elsewhere on the unit, forexample, on the base 502. The use of this oral irrigator device 500 mayallow a user separate use of the water jet tip 510 and radiant energysource 524, or may allow the simultaneous use thereof.

In each of the above embodiments (as well as further embodiments below),the radiant energy sources may be suitably constructed to activate whenthe water flow is actuated, or may be controlled by sensors to actuatewhen positioned in a relatively dark space (such as the inside of auser's mouth), or may be controlled by a timer to help insure sufficientradiant energy is imparted to the bacteria in the user's mouth.

FIG. 6A schematically depicts an alternate embodiment of a jet tip witha water conduit 610 separate from a corresponding radiant energy conduit622. The water conduit 610 and the energy conduit 622 generally followparallel paths and are mounted adjacent each other. The terminal end 614of the water conduit 610 is at approximately the same distance from thehandle as the distal end 628 of the energy conduit 622. In thisembodiment, the energy conduit is a glass or plastic shaft or cylinder,or possibly a fiber optic light injector that transmits radiant energyfrom a light source at a proximal end 626 of the energy conduit 622 tothe distal end 628 of the light conduit 622. FIG. 6B depicts twocommonly available molded acrylic fiber light injectors 624 from FraenCorporation.

In some embodiments, LEDs may be used as a source for the radiantenergy. Exemplary LEDs may include, for example, Nichia 5POA (375 nm),Nichia 59013 (365 nm), or Xicon 351-3314-RC LEDs. In someimplementations, suitable wavelengths for effective radiant energy havebeen found between 350-450 nm, preferably between 375-415 nm, even morepreferably between 405-415 nm. In one exemplary implementation, aUV-1WS-L2 LED from Prolight Opto Technology Corporation was used toprovide light at desired wavelengths. Another way to characterizeeffective radiant energy is by intensity. The effective intensityrequired will depend on the species of microbe. Minimum effectiveintensities generally range from 2-50 J/cm.

The following tables present test results from the use of various LEDsand other light sources for varying amounts of time on various commontypes of bacteria that inhabit the oral cavity to determine thebactericidal effects. The Legend indicates the types of bacteria used inthe experiments, the types of LEDs used, and an explanation of themeaning of the results. In the first experiment of Table 1, bacteriacultures were exposed to the light sources for periods of 2 minutes and60 minutes. In the experiments of Tables 2, 3, and 4, bacteria cultureswere exposed to the light sources for periods of 5 seconds, 30 seconds,1 minute, 2 minutes, and 60 minutes. As indicated in the Legend, an IEor “Ineffective” entry means bacterial growth was observed in theculture without apparent inhibition, i.e., the incident light did notkill the bacteria. In contrast, an E or “Effective” entry indicates thatwhile live bacteria remain in the culture, the bacteria were killed inthe illuminated area.

Legend for Tables 1-4 NG = No growth on plate - invalid data point IE =“Ineffective” - Bacterial growth on plate but no inhibition zones E =“Effective” - Bacteria growth on plate but bacteria killed in areailluminated Bacteria 1 Porphyromonas Gingivalis ATCC 33277 Bacteria 2Prevotella Intermedia ATCC 25611 Bacteria 3 Prevotella Nigrescens ATCC33563 Bacteria 4 Prevotella Melaningena ATCC 25845 led 1 Nichia 59013 -365 nm led 2 Mouser UV Xicon Led Lamps Taiwan PN-351-3314-RC led 3Blue - Sunbright 470 nm-ssp-Ix6144A7uc led 4 Nichia - 5poa-375 nm led 5White - Sunbright-ssp-Ix6144A9UC led 6 UV Florescent-JKL led 7 FOX-uvled 8 IR vcsel

TABLE 1 Bacteria 1 Light Source 2 min 60 min Control IE IE (poor) BlackLight IE Germicidal E E filter 1 IE ? filter 2 IE ? led 1 IE ? E led 2IE ? E led 3 IE ? ? led 4 IE ? ? led 5 IE led 6 IE led 7 IE led 8 IE

TABLE 2 Bacteria 2 Light Source 5 sec 30 sec 60 sec 2 min 60 min ControlIE IE IE IE IE Black Light IE E Germicidal E E E E E filter 1 IE Efilter 2 IE E led 1 IE E (partial) IE E E led 2 IE IE IE E E led 3 IE IEIE IE E led 4 E E E E E led 5 IE E led 6 IE IE led 7 IE E led 8

TABLE 3 Bacteria 3 Light Source 5 sec 30 sec 60 sec 2 min 60 min ControlIE IE IE IE IE Black Light IE E Germicidal E E E E E filter 1 IE Efilter 2 IE E led 1 IE IE E E E led 2 IE IE IE E E led 3 IE IE IE IE Eled 4 IE E E E E led 5 IE E led 6 IE IE led 7 IE E led 8 IE IE

TABLE 4 Bacteria 4 Light Source 5 sec 30 sec 60 sec 2 min 60 min ControlIE IE IE IE IE Black Light IE IE Germicidal E E E E E filter 1 IE IEfilter 2 IE IE led 1 IE IE E (partial) E E led 2 IE IE IE IE E led 3 IEIE IE E ? E ? led 4 IE E E E ? E ? led 5 IE E led 6 IE IE led 7 IE IEled 8 IE IE

In addition to the experimental testing above, another series of testsof radiant energy sources was performed to determine the effects ofalternate energy sources. In the experiments of Tables 5, 6, 7, and 8,bacteria cultures were exposed to the light sources for periods of 5seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 60 minutes. As in theprior experiments, an IE or “Ineffective” entry means bacterial growthwas observed in the culture without apparent inhibition. In contrast, anE or “Effective” entry indicates that while live bacteria remain in theculture, the bacteria were killed in the illuminated area.

TABLE 5 Light Effects on Porphyromonas Gingivalis Source Light 5 30 2 5(nm) Configuration Plate # sec sec min min 405 30E leaded A 1 IE IE IEIE 420 15E leaded A 2 IE IE IE IE (5) Nichia 590 a A 3 IE IE IE IE (4)0603 surface mount A 4 IE IE IE IE 395 L300 CUV Ledtronics B 1 IE IE IEIE 395 L120 CUV Ledtronics B 2 IE IE IE IE 405 SPL300CUV B 3 IE IE IE IE405 L200CUV B 4 IE IE IE IE 375 Nichia into 2 mm fiber C 1 IE IE IE IEbroken into 1 mm C 2 IE IE IE IE module 1 mm C 3 IE IE IE IE 420 15Eleaded C 4 IE IE IE IE 375 Nichia into 1 mm fiber C 5 IE IE IE IE 40818E into 1 mm C 6 IE IE IE IE 375 nichia into 1 mm C 7 IE IE IE IE 394filtered sunlight S 1 IE IE IE IE 400 filtered sunlight S 2 IE IE IE IE405 filtered sunlight S 3 IE IE IE IE 410 filtered sunlight S 4 IE IE IEIE 415 filtered sunlight S 5 IE IE IE IE 254 Sterilizing wand W 1 IE E EE

TABLE 6 Light Effects on Prevotella Intermedia Source Light 5 30 2 5(nm) Configuration Plate # sec sec min min 405 30E leaded A 1 IE E IE E420 15E leaded A 2 IE IE IE IE (5) Nichia 590 a A 3 IE IE E E (4) 0603surface mount A 4 IE IE IE IE 395 L300 CUV Ledtronics B 1 IE E E E 395L120 CUV Ledtronics B 2 IE E E E 405 SPL300CUV B 3 IE E E E 405 L200CUVB 4 IE E E E 375 Nichia into 2 mm fiber C 1 IE IE IE IE broken into 1 mmC 2 IE IE IE IE module 1 mm C 3 IE E E E 420 15E leaded C 4 IE IE IE IE375 Nichia into 1 mm fiber C 5 IE IE IE IE 408 18E into 1 mm C 6 IE IEIE IE 375 nichia into 1 mm C 7 IE IE IE IE 394 filtered sunlight S 1 IEIE IE IE 400 filtered sunlight S 2 IE IE IE IE 405 filtered sunlight S 3IE IE IE IE 410 filtered sunlight S 4 IE IE IE IE 415 filtered sunlightS 5 IE IE IE IE 254 Sterilizing wand W 1 E E E E

TABLE 7 Light Effects on Prevotella Nigrescens Source Light 5 30 2 5(nm) Configuration Plate # sec sec min min 405 30E leaded A 1 E E E E420 15E leaded A 2 IE IE IE IE (5) Nichia 590 a A 3 E E E E (4) 0603surface mount A 4 IE IE E E 395 L300 CUV Ledtronics B 1 E E E E 395 L120CUV Ledtronics B 2 E E E E 405 SPL300CUV B 3 E E E E 405 L200CUV B 4 E EE E 375 Nichia into 2 mm fiber C 1 IE IE E E broken into 1 mm C 2 IE IEIE IE module 1 mm C 3 E E E E 420 15E leaded C 4 E E E E 375 Nichia into1 mm fiber C 5 IE IE E E 408 18E into 1 mm C 6 IE IE IE IE 375 nichiainto 1 mm C 7 IE IE E E 394 filtered sunlight S 1 IE IE E E 400 filteredsunlight S 2 IE IE E E 405 filtered sunlight S 3 IE IE IE E 410 filteredsunlight S 4 IE IE IE E 415 filtered sunlight S 5 IE IE IE E 254Sterilizing wand W 1 E E E E

TABLE 8 Light Effects on Prevotella Melaningena Source Light 5 30 2 5(nm) Configuration Plate # sec sec min min 405 30E leaded A 1 IE IE E E420 15E leaded A 2 IE IE IE IE (5) Nichia 590 a A 3 IE E E E (4) 0603surface mount A 4 IE IE IE IE 395 L300 CUV Ledtronics B 1 IE IE E E 395L120 CUV Ledtronics B 2 IE E E E 405 SPL300CUV B 3 IE IE E E 405 L200CUVB 4 E E E E 375 Nichia into 2 mm fiber C 1 IE IE IE IE broken into 1 mmC 2 IE IE IE IE module 1 mm C 3 IE IE E S E 420 15E leaded C 4 IE IE IEIE 375 Nichia into 1 mm fiber C 5 IE IE IE IE 408 18E into 1 mm C 6 IEIE IE IE 375 nichia into 1 mm C 7 IE IE IE IE 394 filtered sunlight S 1IE IE IE IE 400 filtered sunlight S 2 IE IE IE IE 405 filtered sunlightS 3 IE IE IE IE 410 filtered sunlight S 4 IE IE IE IE 415 filteredsunlight S 5 IE IE IE IE 254 Sterilizing wand W 1 IE E E E

These studies indicate that UV and near-UV light is effective in killingselect periodontal pathogens. While shorter wavelength UV radiation isan extremely effective germicide, the mechanism of destruction in UVradiation below 300 nm is to destroy DNA in cells. (See, e.g., Soukos,N. S. et al., Phototargeting oral black-pigmented bacteria,Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, (April 2005) pp. 1391-96.) Thismechanism is not selective and therefore the user's tissue cells couldbe destroyed as well. In contrast, by using higher wavelengths of light,e.g., between 350-450 nanometers, undesirable, black-pigmented bacteriacan be destroyed without affecting the health of adjacent oral tissue.Wavelengths between 350-450 nm, and especially between 405-415 nm, arevery effective bactericides by exciting endogenous porphyrins within theblack-pigmented bacteria while leaving oral tissue unharmed. FIG. 7 is abar graph showing the effectiveness of a 405 nm light source onblack-pigmented bacteria compared to non-black-pigmented bacteria, whichis actually healthy to have in the oral cavity. The undesirableblack-pigmented bacteria are killed relatively quickly (in some casesunder 5 seconds) while the desirable bacteria remains unharmed. Thisselective killing when used on a daily basis causes a beneficial,long-term shift in the ratio of desirable to undesirable bacteria as thedesirable bacteria are allowed to grow and take the place previouslyoccupied by the undesirable bacteria. This results in a lasting benefitto the user's oral health beyond what would be indicated by the one-timekill efficacy.

In embodiments using a light tube 622 as a radiant energy conduit as inFIG. 6A to direct the radiant energy from an energy source 624, thelight tube 622 may be formed from plastic or glass fibers with atransmissive core and optionally a thin sheathing a material that has alower refractive index, e.g., Mitsubishi Eska acrylic fibers sheathedwith fluorine polymer, or similar glass fibers. Molded light tubes fromacrylic polymers are common in many manufactured products. One exampleis the glowing speedometer needle of most modern automobiles. Fiberoptic light injectors could also be used as light tubes. In anotherimplementation, a molded light injector, e.g., as commercially producedby Fraen Corporation, may be used to direct light from an LED into anoptical fiber or molded light tube.

Additional tests were performed to gauge the efficacy of various lightsources on a number of common oral bacteria and other organisms commonlyfound in the oral cavity. Results of these tests are set forth below inTables 9A-16B and are summarized in Table 17. In each table pair, thefirst table designated “A” shows the results of various exposures usinga fiber optic radiant energy source. In the second tables of the pairsdesignated “B”, results of various exposures using a radiant energysource mounted at the tip of the device are presented. In the tables, a“+” indicates no inhibition of the organism to the light source, a “W”indicates a weak inhibition of the organism to the light source, and a“−” indicates an inhibition of the organism to the light source.

Tables 9A-9B depict the results of exposure of Porphyromonas gingivalisATCC 33277 (PG-1) to various light sources for periods of time between 5seconds and 45 minutes (900 seconds). PG-1 is an anaerobic blackpigmented bacteria associated with periodontal disease. In Table 9A,results of exposure to no light, and fiber optic sources of white light,Fl Pro Light-2 mm, and AWP Pro Light-2 mm are depicted. PG-1 is one ofthe most resistant organisms, but testing shows first kills in someexperiments within between 60 and 120 seconds of exposure. In Table 9B,results of exposure to tip mounted light sources at dominant wavelengthsof 400 nm (two samples), 590 nm, and a surface mount white light arepresented.

TABLE 9A PG-1 with Fiber Optic Source White FI Pro AWP Pro light- NoLight- Light- Organism Plate Time 3 mm Light 2 mm 2 mm PG-1 A  5 Sec − −− − PG-1 A 15 Sec − − − − PG-1 A 30 Sec − − − − PG-1 A 60 Sec − − − −PG-1 A  2 Min + − − w PG-1 A 15 min + − + no data PG-1 A 45 Min + − + nodata

TABLE 9B PG-1 with Tip Mounted Source Surface Organism Plate Time 400 nm400 nm 590 A mount PG-1 B  5 Sec − − − − PG-1 B 15 Sec − − − − PG-1 B 30Sec − − − − PG-1 B 60 Sec − − − − PG-1 B  2 Min − − − − PG-1 B 15 min +− − + PG-1 B 45 Min + + + +

Tables 10A-10B depict the results of exposure of Prevotellamelaninogenica ATCC 258465 (PM-2) to various light sources for periodsof time between 5 seconds and 45 minutes (900 seconds). PM-2 is ananaerobic black pigmented bacteria associated with periodontal disease.In Table 10A, results of exposure to no light, and fiber optic sourcesof white light, Fl Pro Light-2 mm, and AWP Pro Light-2 mm are depicted.In Table 10B, results of exposure to tip mounted light sources atdominant wavelengths of 400 nm (two samples), 590 nm, and a surfacemount white light are presented.

TABLE 10A PM-2 with Fiber Optic Source White FI Pro AWP Pro light- NoLight- Light- Organism Plate Time 3 mm Light 2 mm 2 mm PM-2 A  5 Sec − −− − PM-2 A 15 Sec − − − − PM-2 A 30 Sec − − + w PM-2 A 60 Sec − − + +PM-2 A  2 Min + − + + PM-2 A 15 min + − + no data PM-2 A 45 Min + − + nodata

TABLE 10B PM-2 with Tip Mounted Source Surface Organism Plate Time 400nm 400 nm 590 A mount PM-2 B  5 Sec − − − − PM-2 B 15 Sec w − − − PM-2 B30 Sec + − − w PM-2 B 60 Sec + w − + PM-2 B  2 Min + + − + PM-2 B 15min + + + + PM-2 B 45 Min + + + +

Tables 11A-11B depict the results of exposure of PorphyromonasIntermedia ATCC 25611 (PI-1) to various light sources for periods oftime between 5 seconds and 45 minutes (900 seconds). PI-1 is ananaerobic black pigmented bacteria associated with periodontal disease.Comments in literature and the experimentation conducted herein suggeststhat PI-1 tends to be more susceptible to UV and less susceptible toantibiotics than P. Ginvivalis. In Table 11A, results of exposure to nolight, and fiber optic sources of white light, Fl Pro Light-2 mm, andAWP Pro Light-2 mm are depicted. In Table 11B, results of exposure totip mounted light sources at dominant wavelengths of 400 nm (twosamples), 590 nm, and a surface mount white light are presented.

TABLE 11A PI-1 with Fiber Optic Source White FI Pro AWP Pro light- NoLight- Light- Organism Plate Time 3 mm Light 2 mm 2 mm PI-1 A  5 Sec +− + + PI-1 A 15 Sec + − + + PI-1 A 30 Sec + − + + PI-1 A 60 Sec + − + +PI-1 A  2 Min + − + + PI-1 A 15 min + − + + PI-1 A 45 Min + − + +

TABLE 11B PI-1 with Tip Mounted Source Surface Organism Plate Time 400nm 400 nm 590 A mount PI-1 B  5 Sec + − − + PI-1 B 15 Sec + + + + PI-1 B30 Sec + + + + PI-1 B 60 Sec + + + + PI-1 B  2 Min + + + + PI-1 B 15min + + + + PI-1 B 45 Min + + + +

Tables 12A-12B depict the results of exposure of PorphyromonasNigrescens ATCC 33563 (PN-1) to various light sources for periods oftime between 5 seconds and 45 minutes (900 seconds). PN-1 is ananaerobic black pigmented bacteria associated with periodontal disease.Comments in literature and the experimentation conducted herein suggeststhat PN-1 tends to be more susceptible to UV and less susceptible toantibiotics than P. Ginvivalis. In Table 12A, results of exposure to nolight, and fiber optic sources of white light, Fl Pro Light-2 mm, andAWP Pro Light-2 mm are depicted. In Table 12B, results of exposure totip mounted light sources at dominant wavelengths of 400 nm (twosamples), 590 nm, and a surface mount white light are presented.

TABLE 12A PN-1 with Fiber Optic Source White FI Pro AWP Pro light- NoLight- Light- Organism Plate Time 3 mm Light 2 mm 2 mm PN-1 A (BA)  5Sec + − + + PN-1 A (BA) 15 Sec + − + + PN-1 A (BA) 30 Sec + − + + PN-1 A(BA) 60 Sec + − + + PN-1 A (BA)  2 Min + − + + PN-1 A (BA) 15 min + − +no data PN-1 A (BA) 45 Min + − + no data

TABLE 12B PN-1 with Tip Mounted Source Surface Organism Plate Time 400nm 400 nm 590 nm mount PN-1 B (BA)  5 Sec + w − + PN-1 B (BA) 15 Sec + +w + PN-1 B (BA) 30 Sec + + + + PN-1 B (BA) 60 Sec + + + + PN-1 B (BA)  2Min + + + + PN-1 B (BA) 15 min + + + + PN-1 B (BA) 45 Min + + + +

Tables 13A-13B depict the results of exposure of Streptococcus mutansATCC 25175 (STR-54) to various light sources for periods of time between5 seconds and 45 minutes (900 seconds). STR-54 is a gram-positive,facultatively anaerobic bacteria commonly found in the human oralcavity. In Table 13A, results of exposure to no light, and fiber opticsources of white light, Fl Pro Light-2 mm, and AWP Pro Light-2 mm aredepicted. In Table 13B, results of exposure to tip mounted light sourcesat dominant wavelengths of 400 nm (two samples), 590 nm, and a surfacemount white light are presented.

TABLE 13A STR-54 with Fiber Optic Source White FI Pro AWP Pro light- NoLight- Light- Organism Plate Time 3 mm Light 2 mm 2 mm Str-54 A (BA)  5Sec − − − − Str-54 A (BA) 15 Sec − − − − Str-54 A (BA) 30 Sec − − − −Str-54 A (BA) 60 Sec − − − − Str-54 A (BA)  2 Min + − − + Str-54 A (BA)15 min + − w no data Str-54 A (BA) 45 Min + − + no data

TABLE 13B STR-54 with Tip Mounted Source Surface Organism Plate Time 400nm 400 nm 590 A mount Str-54 B (BA)  5 Sec − − − − Str-54 B (BA) 15 Sec− − − − Str-54 B (BA) 30 Sec − − − − Str-54 B (BA) 60 Sec − − − − Str-54B (BA)  2 Min w − − − Str-54 B (BA) 15 min w − w − Str-54 B (BA) 45 Mm +− w w

Tables 14A-14B depict the results of exposure of Lactobacillus caseiATCC 393 (LB-2) to various light sources for periods of time between 5seconds and 45 minutes (900 seconds). LB-2 is a stain agent common inmilk and dairy products and is associated with carries formation. InTable 14A, results of exposure to no light, and fiber optic sources ofwhite light, Fl Pro Light-2 mm, and AWP Pro Light-2 mm are depicted. InTable 14B, results of exposure to tip mounted light sources at dominantwavelengths of 400 nm (two samples), 590 nm, and a surface mount whitelight are presented.

TABLE 14A LB-2 with Fiber Optic Source White FI Pro AWP Pro light- NoLight- Light- Organism Plate Time 3 mm Light 2 mm 2 mm LB-2 A (BA)  5Sec − − − − LB-2 A (BA) 15 Sec − − − − LB-2 A (BA) 30 Sec − − − − LB-2 A(BA) 60 Sec − − − − LB-2 A (BA)  2 Min − − − − LB-2 A (BA) 15 min − − −− LB-2 A (BA) 45 Min + − + no data

TABLE 14B LB-2 with Tip Mounted Source Surface Organism Plate Time 400nm 400 nm 590 A mount LB-2 B (BA)  5 Sec − − − − LB-2 B (BA) 15 Sec − −− − LB-2 B (BA) 30 Sec − − − − LB-2 B (BA) 60 Sec − − − − LB-2 B (BA)  2Min − − − − LB-2 B (BA) 15 min − − − − LB-2 B (BA) 45 Min + − − −

Tables 15A-15B depict the results of exposure of Actinobacillusactinomycetemcomitans ATCC 33384 (AA-1) to various light sources forperiods of time between 5 seconds and 45 minutes (900 seconds). AA-1 isa bacteria associated with periodontal disease. In Table 15A, results ofexposure to no light, and fiber optic sources of white light, Fl ProLight-2 mm, and AWP Pro Light-2 mm are depicted. In Table 15B, resultsof exposure to tip mounted light sources at dominant wavelengths of 400nm (two samples), 590 nm, and a surface mount white light are presented.

TABLE 15A AA-1 with Fiber Optic Source White FI Pro AWP Pro light- NoLight- Light- Organism Plate Time 3 mm Light 2 mm 2 mm AA-1 A (BA)  5Sec − − − − AA-1 A (BA) 15 Sec − − − − AA-1 A (BA) 30 Sec − − − − AA-1 A(BA) 60 Sec − − − − AA-1 A (BA)  2 Min − − + + AA-1 A (BA) 15 min + − +no data AA-1 A (BA) 45 Min + − + no data

TABLE 15B AA-1 with Tip Mounted Source Surface Organism Plate Time 400nm 400 nm 590 A mount AA-1 B (BA)  5 Sec − − − − AA-1 B (BA) 15 Sec − −− − AA-1 B (BA) 30 Sec − − − − AA-1 B (BA) 60 Sec − − − − AA-1 B (BA)  2Min w − − − AA-1 B (BA) 15 min + − − + AA-1 B (BA) 45 Min + + + +

Tables 16A-16B depict the results of exposure of Fusobacterium NucleatumATCC (FU-3) to various light sources for periods of time between 5seconds and 45 minutes (900 seconds). FU-3 is a key component ofperiodontal plaque due to its abundance and its ability to coaggregatewith other species in the oral cavity. In Table 16A, results of exposureto no light, and fiber optic sources of white light, Fl Pro Light-2 mm,and AWP Pro Light-2 mm are depicted. In Table 116B, results of exposureto tip mounted light sources at dominant wavelengths of 400 nm (twosamples), 590 nm, and a surface mount white light are presented.

TABLE 16A FU-3 with Fiber Optic Source White FI Pro AWP Pro light- NoLight- Light- Organism Plate Time 3 mm light 2 mm 2 mm FU-3 A (BA)  5Sec − − − − FU-3 A (BA) 15 Sec − − − − FU-3 A (BA) 30 Sec − − − − FU-3 A(BA) 60 Sec − − − − FU-3 A (BA)  2 Min + − − − FU-3 A (BA) 15 min + − +no data FU-3 A (BA) 45 Min + − + no data

TABLE 16B FU-3 With Tip Mounted Source Surface Organism Plate Time 400nm 400 nm 590 A mount FU-3 B (BA)  5 Sec − − − − FU-3 B (BA) 15 Sec − −− − FU-3 B (BA) 30 Sec − − − − FU-3 B (BA) 60 Sec − − − − FU-3 B (BA)  2Min + − − − FU-3 B (BA) 15 min + − − w FU-3 B (BA) 45 Min + − w +

Table 17 presented as FIG. 20 depicts a graph summarizing the efficacycomparison of surface mount radiant energy sources to radiant energyprovided by fiber optic delivery on the various organisms presentedabove in Tables 9A-16B.

In yet another implementation depicted in FIGS. 8A-8D, an integral jettip 810 forms the water conduit 815 within a molded light tube 822. Thisconfiguration allows the jet tip 810 to be smaller closer in size to astandard, non-light emitting tip used on a standard oral irrigatorappliance. The one piece all molded design can be produced moreeconomically than multipart designs using a molded water conduit jet tipwith an optical fiber or other light tube attached. Further, the coaxialconstruction allows the tip to be rotated relative to the handle andfeature what is not practical in non-coaxial designs.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, the jet tip 810 is composed in part of aradiant energy module 824 at a proximal end 826 of the jet tip 810 thatshines light into a molded acrylic fiber light injector 830, which inturn focuses this light into the entrance of the molded light tube 822of the jet tip 810. The light injector 830 is fixed within an opening ina proximal end of a manifold 842 while the light tube 822 is removablyinserted within a distal end 828 of the manifold 842. The light injector830 and the light tube 822 are separated within the manifold 842 by agap that forms a disk shaped plenum 850 in fluid communication with boththe water conduit 815 and a water channel 848 in a water inlet 844formed as an integral part of or mounted on a sidewall of the manifold842. The water inlet 844 may form a nipple 846 for attachment of a waterline to introduce water from an oral irrigator reservoir into themanifold 842. A distal seal 852, e.g., an O-ring, is located within themanifold 842 to seal against the outer surface of the light tube 822 andprevent water leakage. Similarly, a proximal seal 854, e.g., anotherO-ring, is located within the manifold 842 to seal against the outersurface of the light injector 830 and prevent water leakage.

The light tube 822 may be further retained within the manifold 842 by aclasp 834 or other retention mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and8C, a spring-tensioned clasp 834 may toggle about a hinge 836 mounted onthe manifold 842. The clasp 834 may be formed as a claw 838 on thedistal end of the clasp 834 to interface with a retention surface 840formed on the outer wall of the light tube 822. The retention surface840 may be formed as an annular bulge or shelf surrounding the outerwall of the light tube 822 in order to allow the jet tip 810 to beoriented in any direction when inserted into the manifold 842. While notshown in FIGS. 8A-8D, the retention surface 840 may be located along thelight tube 822 such that it also interfaces with the distal end of themanifold 842 to indicate that the light tube 822 is fully insertedwithin the manifold 842 and thereby prevent over-insertion that wouldprevent formation of the plenum 850.

At the proximal end 826 of the light tube 822, radiant energy istransmitted from the light injector 830 to the light tube 822 and wateris also introduced from the plenum 850 into the water conduit 815 formedin the light tube 822. When the plenum 850 is filled with water, thelight injector 830 also transmits light into the water as it travelsthrough the water conduit 815. The water in the water conduit 815 thusalso provides an additional light conducting structure as well as thecleaning jet of water when emitted from the distal end 828 of the lighttube 822. This cylindrical discharged jet stream is substantiallylaminar and further acts as light tube for the radiant energy. The edgesof the laminar stream are bordered by air, which aids in the internalreflection of the light within the water stream, thereby providingtightly focused beam of UV light to the tooth surface. Additionally, thedistal end 828 of the light tube 822 may be beveled, faceted, curved, orotherwise configured to focus the radiant energy exiting the light tube822 to enter the water stream to further enhance the focused beam oflight. The water jet further acts to lift the gum tissue away from thetooth surface allowing germicidal light to access the UV photosensitiveblack-pigmented anaerobic bacteria beneath the gum line.

In an alternate embodiment, a system of lenses may be used to focuslight into the end of the light tube 822 rather the molded lightinjector 830. In other embodiments, the molded light injector 830 couldbe replaced by a straight glass or plastic rod with a polished endplaced in close proximity the light emitting die of the radiant energymodule 824. While functional, in some embodiments, such as thoseutilizing a LED as the radiant energy source, a disadvantage of thisdesign is that the radiant energy module 824 must be obtained in a nonstandard configuration in order to allow the end of such a glass orplastic rod to be placed in the required close proximity. Further, thereis a decrease in efficiency as the analysis below suggests.

The effectiveness of the oral irrigator device with integral radiantenergy delivery system of FIGS. 8A-8D, utilizing a LED as the radiantenergy module 824, is shown in the computer simulation report of FIGS.9A-11B. These reports also demonstrate the focusing ability of the lightcarrying water stream. In the first configuration presented in FIGS. 9Aand 9B, A 1×1 mm, 405 nm LED was used as the light source. The jet tip810 was tapered and curved with 1 mm water gap in the plenum 850. Waterwas in the water conduit 815 of the jet tip 810, but was not flowing toextend to the tooth surface. The target/detector size was 30×30 mm andwas placed 5 mm from distal end 828 of the jet-tip 810. A mask with ahole was placed near the end of the jet-tip 810, to eliminate scatteredenergy. Fresnel and absorption losses are considered. The LED power is“set” to 100 watts. The incoherent irradiance plot shown in FIG. 9A isin Watts/m². In this experiment, 55.8 watts reaches the detector. Thepeak irradiance measured at the center of the target was 8.5×10⁵Watts/m². The highest irradiance calculated for a single location was1.1290×10⁶ Watts/m². The energy spot as shown in FIG. 9B isapproximately 11.8 mm diameter, where >10% of the total energy outputwas imparted to the peak location.

The results of a second configuration are presented in FIGS. 10A and10B. The radiant energy source 724 and the jet tip configuration are thesame as the configuration corresponding to FIGS. 9A and 9B, but in thisexperiment, the water stream was flowing and extended to target/detectoras it would be in actual use. In this experiment, 56.8 watts reached thedetector. The peak irradiance measured at the center of the target was2.5×10⁶ Watts/m², which is three (3) times that of the configurationrepresented in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The energy spot as shown in FIG. 10B ismore focused at approximately 9.8 mm diameter, where >10% of the totalenergy output was imparted to the peak location. This experiment isdemonstrative of the enhancement of the bactericidal effect if the waterstream is also used to focus the radiant energy on the oral tissue.

The results of a third configuration are presented in FIGS. 11A and 11B.The light source 724 and the jet tip configuration are the same as theconfiguration corresponding to FIGS. 9A and 9B, except that the lightinjector optic was replaced by a simple cylinder formed of PMMA. Also,as in the first configuration, water was in the water conduit 815 of thejet tip 810, but was not flowing to extend to the tooth surface. In thisexperiment, 29 watts reached the detector. Also in this experiment, theenergy at the detector was measured in illuminance rather thanirradiance to provide an alternate method of quantizing theeffectiveness. The peak illuminance measured at the center of the targetwas 2.6×10⁵ lm/m² of energy. The highest illuminance calculated for asingle location was 3.48×105 lm/m². The energy spot as shown in FIG. 11Bis less focused at approximately 17 mm diameter, where >10% of the totalenergy output was imparted to the peak location.

FIGS. 12-19 depict another implementation of jet handle 908 for use withan oral irrigator system to provide a combination of a fluid stream andradiant energy to an oral cavity. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a jet tip910 extends from the distal end of the jet handle 908 and a fluidconduit 948 connects the jet handle 908 to a pump and fluid reservoir inthe base unit (not shown). In addition, a control wire may also extendbetween the jet handle 908 and the base unit to allow the user tocontrol the pump, the radiant energy source, or both, via one or moreactuators 912 located on the jet handle 908. A retention cap 918 holdsthe jet tip 910 together with the jet handle 908 and allows for removaland replacement of the jet tip 910 as necessary.

The jet tip 910 is provided as a hollow conduit with a proximal end 926that is received within the jet handle 908 and a distal end 928 thattapers slightly in diameter as compared to the proximal end 926. A lightguide 922 extends coaxially within the lumen of the jet tip 910. Thelight guide receives the radiant energy from a light source (as furtherdescribed below) and, as a result of an index of refraction of thematerial forming the light guide 922, the light energy is internallyreflected within the light guide 922 such that it does not escape untilit reaches the distal end 928. The light guide 922 is of a smaller outerdiameter than the diameter of the lumen of the jet tip 910 and similarlytapers in diameter. The space between the outer surface of the lightguide 922 and the inner diameter of the jet tip 910 forms a fluidchannel 920. In operation, the fluid pumped by the oral irrigator exitsthe jet tip 910 through an outlet 914 on the distal end 914. At thislocation, the light energy exits the light guide 922 and is carriedwithin the fluid stream exiting the jet tip 910. The fluid stream islaminar in form and similarly internally reflects the light exiting thelight guide 922 to deliver the radiant energy to the same location asthe fluid stream.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the light guide 922 independently and in greaterdetail. A plurality of bumps 924 is formed on an outer surface of thelight guide 922. The bumps 924 are provided frictionally fit the lightguide 922 within the jet tip 910 and to maintain uniform spacing betweenthe outer surface of the light guide 922 and the inner wall of the jettip 910 to provide the fluid channel 920 within the jet tip 910. Thereis no set number of or location for the bumps 924 required. As shown inFIG. 14, the bumps may be spaced at various distances longitudinally aswell as locations circumferentially. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, theouter surface 922′ of the light guide 922 is larger at the proximal endand tapers toward the distal end. This is evident in the differing radiiof the bumps 924″ at the base of the light guide 922 as compared to thebumps 924′ further distally along the light guide 922. In the embodimentshown, locations for the bumps 924 were selected to ensure the waterchannel 920 remains open along the entire length of the jet tip 910. Itis desirable to minimize the number of bumps 924 on the light guide tominimize the obstacles within the fluid channel 920 and to optimize theinternal reflection of the light within the light guide 922.

A light source 916, e.g., an LED emitting light at a desired wavelengthor over a desired bandwidth or a laser diode, is mounted within the jethandle 908 below the proximal end of the jet tip 910. A heat sink 956,e.g., an aluminum block, may be held in compression with the lightsource 916 by a spring bias 958 in order to cool the light source 916when in operation. A collimator 930 is mounted between the light source916 and the proximal end of the light guide 922. The collimator 930 isshown in greater detail in FIGS. 16-19. The proximal end of thecollimator 930 functions as a collector having a concave surface 944that transitions into a convex surface 946 to collect and focus thelight from the light source 916. In exemplary embodiments, the radius ofthe sidewalls of the collimator 930 may be between 0.5-1.5 degrees. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 16-19, the radius is approximately 0.68 degrees.The distal end of the collimator is formed as a lens with a flat base942 and a distally extending conical sidewall 940 that may be between20°-30° for best effect. In the embodiment of FIGS. 16-19, the angle ofthe conical sidewall 940 with respect to the base 942 is approximately23.7 degrees. However, depending on the light source 916 used, e.g., adiode, LED or other light source, the collimator may be modified toaccommodate the varying light intensities and/or lens structures.

A superstructure extends above the distal end of the collimator 930forming a circumferential flange 932 and a plurality of tabs 934. In theembodiment shown, three tabs 934 are spaced equidistantly around theoutput lens of the collimator 930 to define a plenum 950 for receipt offluid from the fluid conduit 948 and injection of the fluid into thewater channel 920. A vertical boss 936 is formed on an inner wall ofeach of the tabs 934 for interfacing with the proximal end of the jettip 910. A proximal seal 952, e.g. an O-ring, is positioned upon thedistal side of the flange 932 to seal the plenum 950 area with respectto an internal housing structure. A lip 938 may extend between each ofthe tabs 934 adjacent the flange 932 to aid in maintaining the positionof the proximal seal 952 when placed under pressure. The spring bias 958also provides a sealing pressure on the collimator 930 to assist insealing the plenum 950. A distal seal 954, e.g., and O-ring, ispositioned on the distal ends of the tabs 934 to engage with an internalhousing structure and an outer wall of the jet tip 910 to provide asidewall seal for the distal end of the plenum 950.

In operation, the jet handle of the embodiment of FIGS. 12-19 flowsfluid through the fluid conduit 948 into the plenum 950, and within thewater channel 920 in the jet tip 910. When the light source 916 isactivated, the light energy is collected by the collimator 930 for afocused output through the plenum and into the proximal end of the lightguide 922. The light travels through the light guide 922 and exits thedistal end where it is within the water stream exiting the outlet 914 ofthe jet tip 910. A combination of a pressurized water stream andeffective radiant energy is thus delivered simultaneously and coaxiallyat a common location within the oral cavity.

FIGS. 21A and 21B depict another implementation of jet handle 1008 foruse with an oral irrigator system to provide a combination of a fluidstream and radiant energy to an oral cavity. An oral irrigator 1000 isshown having a base housing 1002, which incorporates the pump powered byline voltage. A reservoir 1004 having a lid sits atop the base housing1002 and serves to supply the water to the jet tip 1010. The reservoir1004 is fluidically connected to the pump in order to pump water througha water line 1011 to the jet handle 1008. The jet tip 1010 isfluidically connected to the jet handle 1008 so that the pumped waterflows through the jet tip 1010. For example, as can be seen in thecross-section view of FIG. 22A, the jet tip 1010 may include a fluidchannel 1024 and an electrical channel 1022. These channels 1022, 1024may be similar to the water conduit 610 and the energy conduit 622,respectively, as shown in FIG. 6A. The fluid channel 1024 provides afluid lumen or pathway from the handle 1008 through the jet tip 1010,and the electrical channel 1022 provides a pathway for electrical wiringand/or other devices within the jet tip 1010.

The jet tip 1010 has a tip head 1014 that is positioned so as to causethe water stream to enter the oral cavity and flush bacteria therefrom.A top portion 1032 of the tip head 1014 may slope upwards to form aconical shape in a center area of the top portion 1032. In someembodiments as shown, the wall of the conical area may be slightlyconcave. An outlet aperture 1016 of the jet tip 1010 of the tip head1014 may be formed within the center and apex of the conical area. Inthis embodiment, the outlet aperture 1016 may thus be slightly raisedabove other areas of the top portion 1032. The conical area of the topportion 1032 increases the total length of the outlet aperture 1016 asit extends through the conical portion into the inner cavity of the tiphead 1014. However, it should be noted that the top portion 1032 may beformed in a variety of other shapes and the shape illustrated in FIGS.21A-22A is merely one embodiment. The outlet aperture 1016 provides anexit for fluid and/or radiant energy from the jet tip 1010. In someembodiments the tip head 1014 of the jet tip 1010 may form the outerhousing of a radiant energy source package. In these embodiments, thetip head 1014 along with the package housed within may be removable fromthe jet tip 1014.

The outlet aperture 1016 may have separate pathways for fluid andradiant energy, or the pathways may be combined, such that the fluid andthe radiant energy are combined together to exit the jet tip 1010. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 22A, illustrating a cross-section view of thejet tip 1010, the tip head 1014 of the jet tip 1010 may house a laserdiode 1018 (e.g., Violet Laser Diode No. NDHV4313D available from NichiaCorporation, Tokushima-Ken, Japan) as a radiant energy source positionedto direct radiant energy within a fluid inlet 1017 exiting the outletaperture 1016. Thus, in some embodiments, the fluid travels from thereservoir 1004 to the outlet aperture 1016 in the jet tip 1010 tocombine with the radiant energy produced from the laser diode 1018housed within the jet tip 1010.

In some implementations the laser diode 1018 produces a light beamdirected into the outlet aperture 1016. These implementations allow thefluid traveling from the reservoir 1004 via the fluid channel 1024 andthrough the fluid inlet 1017 to carry the radiant energy into a user'smouth. As the fluid impacts the gum line, it displaces the gums andother tissue, allowing the radiant energy to be directed to bacteria andother organisms within a user's mouth. And as discussed above withrespect to other embodiments, radiant energy may kill numerous varietiesand amounts of bacteria that may be present in a person's mouth.

The fluid channel 1024 provides a path for fluid to flow from thereservoir 1014 to the outlet aperture 1016. The electrical channel 1022provides a path for electrical wires or other forms of electricalcommunication between the laser diode 1018 and a power source (e.g.,line voltage, batteries). In other implementations, the electricalchannel 1022 may house a fiber optic cable or other light transmissionmechanism. The electrical channel 1022 and the fluid channel 1024 may besubstantially parallel to each other and may be sealed off from eachother. This helps prevent fluid from entering the electrical channel1022 and potentially damaging the electrical communication elementsdisposed within the electrical channel 1022. In some implementations thefluid channel 1024 and the electrical channel 1022 may havesubstantially the same dimensions, however, in other implementationsthey may have different dimensions. For example, the electrical channel1022 may only need to accommodate thin wires and thus may be smaller indiameter than the fluid channel 1024.

The fluid channel 1024 and the electrical channel 1022 may be separatedby a median 1023 that acts as a boundary between the two channels 1022,1024, sealing them off from each other. The median 1023 may terminate atthe outer housing of the laser diode 1018. In this implementation, thehousing or other portions of the laser diode 1018 may act to seal fluidfrom the fluid channel 1024 from entering the electrical channel 1022.

The electrical channel 1022 may terminate adjacent a base of the laserdiode 1018. For example, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the laser diode1018 may include connector pins 1050, prongs, inputs, receptacles, orthe like for making an electrical connection to connect the laser diode1018 to a power source 1058. As shown in the figures, the pins 1050connect to lead wires 1052 that travel through the electrical channel1022 in the jet tip 1010 to connect with a power source. The electricalconnection between the jet tip 1010 and a power source in the handle1008 or base housing 1002 may be direct as with a plug connection orindirect, e.g., via inductive coupling. For example, the handle 1008 mayinclude a first inductive coil 1060 (i.e., coiled or wound conductivewiring) and the lead wires 1052 may terminate in the base of the jet tip1010 at a second inductive coil 1062 with similar coiled or wound wires.The first inductive coil 1060 may receive electricity from a battery1058, wired power source, or the like, to induce a voltage in the secondcoil 1062. The second coil 1062 then may be connected either directly orindirectly to the laser diode 1018. Additionally, one or both of theinductive coils 1060, 1062 may be wrapped around a ferromagnetic core1064, 1066 (e.g., a pot core as available from Magnetics, Inc.,Pittsburgh, Pa.) to assist in the inductive coupling between the twocoils.

Implementations utilizing an inductive power coupling may be beneficialas corrosion or electrical shorts between the power source and the laserdiode 1018 may be reduced. This is because the inductive power couplingdoes not require a physical connection between the first coil and thesecond coil. Thus the first coil in the jet tip 1010 may be completelysealed within the electrical channel 1022 and no water or other fluidcan reach the wires. No electrical connections have to be physicallydetached in order for the jet tip 1010 to removed or replaced, thussubstantially preventing fluid and/or air from contacting the electricallead wires, connectors, or the laser diode 1018. Likewise, within thehandle 1008, the lead wires and the power source 1058 (if within thehandle 1008) may be isolated from the water flow to prevent corrosionand electrical shorting.

The electrical connection area of the laser diode 1018 may be covered byan end plug 1020 that seats within an opening defining a cavity withinthe tip head 1014. The end plug 1020 substantially covers and encasesthe electrical connections between the laser diode 1018 and theelectrical connection, thus preventing the connection from being damagedby fluid, user movements, or the like. The end plug 1020 may also helpsecure the laser diode 1018 to the jet tip 1010. For example, the endplug 1020 may include a fastener or have a snap fit connection to securethe laser diode 1018 to the jet tip 1010. The end plug 1014 may furtherdefine an annular channel 1054 within an external wall of the end plug1020 to receive an O-ring to provide a fluid-tight seal for the cavityin the tip head 1014, thus protecting the electrical connection with theradiant energy source.

In some implementations, the laser diode 1018 0r it may be integratedinto the jet tip 1010 while in other implementations it may be aseparate element that may attach to the end of the jet tip 1010. Instill other implementations, the laser diode 1018 may be located withinthe handle 1008. In these implementations, the electrical channel 1022may include a fiber optic cable or the like (see e.g., the energyconduit 610 illustrated in FIG. 6A) to transmit the radiant energy fromthe laser diode 1018 into the tip head 1014 of the jet tip 1010. Theseimplementations may be used if the laser diode 1018 is a laser diode,for example, as the radiant energy emitted from a laser diode may besubstantially collimated light rather than omnidirectional light thatmay scatter in many angles. Thus, most of the energy may be directed outof the outlet aperture 1016 of the jet tip 1010, rather than inwards orin other directions along the path between the laser diode 1018 and thetip head 1014 of the jet tip 1010.

It should be noted that the laser diode 1018 may be any element that canproduce radiant energy, such as a LED, laser diode, or possibly anincandescent source. However, in embodiments utilizing a laser diode, aheat sink or other heat dissipating device may be omitted orsubstantially reduced in size as laser diodes may generate less heatthan a LED or other radiant energy sources. Additionally, although alaser diode may not produce as much light as a LED, the light or beamemitted from a laser diode may be substantially collimated as it isproduced in a substantially narrow beam or cone and thus actually directup to 10 times more light energy into the water stream output from thejet tip 1010 as compared to other, scattering radiant energy sources.This may be beneficial as the narrower the beam, the more radiant energymay be directed into the fluid stream after exiting the laser diode 1018(versus scattering or reflecting in various directions), and thus moreenergy may be directed into a user's mouth.

Also, in some embodiments, the laser diode 1018 may be placed near orwithin a fluid flow path from the jet tip 1010 and thus may utilize thefluid flow as a method of cooling and the heat sink may be omitted orreduced in size. Additionally, the laser diode 1018 may include a lens,collimator, or other energy directing/condensing elements. In theseembodiments, the laser diode 1018 may be placed farther away from theoutlet aperture 1016, as the light may be substantially focused toprevent scattering or reflection in various directions.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 22A, a spherical lens 1038 issupported above the laser diode 1018 in a fluid pocket 1040 by a lensmount 1042. The lens mount 1042 may hold the spherical lens 1038 above alight emitting region 1048 of the laser diode 1018 and below the outletaperture 1016. In some embodiments, the lens mount 1042 may include askirt which surrounds an outer portion of the laser diode 1018, securingthe spherical lens 1038 in place. The lens mount 1042 may be integrallyformed with the spherical lens 1038 (e.g., as a molded polycarbonate,acrylic, thermoplastic, or thermoset structure) or the lens mount 1042may be separate from the spherical lens 1038. Also, it should be notedthat the lens mount 1042 may be omitted in favor of a molded structureas part of the tip head 1014 that holds the spherical lens 1038 inposition.

Further, the lens mount 1042 may act as a heat sink for the laser diode1018. The lens mount 1042 may be substantially surrounded by fluid andmay assist in the dissipation of heat produced by the laser diode 1018or other radiant energy source. For example, as the fluid travels aroundthe spherical lens 1038 and the lens mount 1042 the heat produced by thelaser diode 1018 may be transferred through the lens mount 1042 and thespherical lens 1038 and imparted to the fluid in the fluid pocket 1040exiting the jet tip 1010. In these implementations, a heat sink or otherheat-dissipating device may be omitted from the laser diode 1018, as thefluid may act to substantially reduce the heat produced from thespherical lens diode 1026. However, in other implementations, a heatsink or other device may be used either in combination with or insteadof fluid-cooling the laser diode 1018, e.g., if the lens mount 1042 andthe spherical lens 1038 are poor heat conductors.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the lens mount 1042 may act as a sealto substantially prevent fluid from the fluid channel 1024 and fluidpocket 1040 from coming in contact with the laser diode 1018 and/or thepins 1050. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 22A, the skirtportion of the lens mount 1042 extends downwards and intersects themedian 1023. The lens mount 1042 may be fixed to the laser diode 1018,the median 1023, and inner surfaces of the tip head 1014 with anadhesive, e.g., a heat-resilient and waterproof adhesive. By using awaterproof adhesive to connect the lens mount 1042, fluid may travelfrom the fluid inlet 1017, around the lens mount 1042 in the fluidpocket 1040, and to the outlet aperture 1016 without leaking across themedian 1023 or behind the laser diode 1018 to the electricalconnections, thereby protecting against shorts and corrosion.

The spherical lens 1038 acts to focus the light from the light emittingregion 1048 and direct it towards the outlet aperture 1016. While thelens is depicted as spherical in this embodiment, the lens may be formedin other shapes, e.g., cylindrical, conical, or concave or convex disks,depending upon the output of the radiant energy source and focaldistances required by the tip configuration. In some embodiments, thespherical lens 1038 may sit substantially in the middle of the lensmount 1042. The spherical lens 1038 may be formed of a molded acrylic orother plastic, glass, or other similar refractive materials.

The fluid pocket 1040 is formed under the top portion 1032 of the tiphead 1014 between the upper surface of the spherical lens 1038 and theoutlet aperture 1016. The fluid area 1040 acts as a combinationlocation, and fluid from the jet tip 1010 may be combined with theradiant energy from the laser diode 1018 further collimated by thespherical lens 1038 is entrained within the water flowing through thefluid pocket 1040 and exiting the outlet aperture 1016. The fluid pocket1040 may also act to help cool the laser diode 1018 and/or the sphericallens 1038, as discussed above. The dimensions of the fluid pocket 1040,particularly the distance between the bottom surface of the top portion1032 and the top surface of the spherical lens 1038, may be altereddepending on the strength and/or light collimation desired. For example,the shorter the distance between the spherical lens 1038 and the outletaperture 1016, the more collimated the radiant energy may be as it exitsthe outlet aperture 1016. This is because in some instances, fluidsurrounded by plastic or other materials may not be as an effectivelight guide as fluid surrounded by air, and more light may be reflectedat an angle that escapes the fluid stream exiting the outlet aperture1016 the farther the light and fluid must travel.

FIG. 23 illustrates a second embodiment of the radiant energy source andFIG. 24 illustrates a cross-section view of the radiant energy sourceillustrated in FIG. 23. In this embodiment, the radiant energy sourcemay be a removable laser diode package 2026. In this embodiment, anouter housing 2024 includes a main body 2028 and a top portion 2032. Themain body 2028 and the top portion 2032 may be inserted into a cavitywithin the jet tip to form the terminal end or head of the jet tip.Thus, the diode package 2026 may be removable from the jet tip. However,in other embodiments, the diode package 2026 may be integrated withinthe jet tip. Additionally, in this embodiment, the end plug of the tiphead may be integral with the jet tip to form a bottom part of a cavityinto which the diode package 2026 is inserted. The end plug portion mayhouse electrical receptacles for receiving the pins 2030 of the diodepackage 2026.

The housing 2024 may be cylindrically shaped and house or encase thecomponents of the removable laser diode package 2026. The cylindricalouter wall of the main body 2028 defines a water channel aperture 2036near the upper portion of the main body 2028 before transitioning to thetop portion 2032. The water channel aperture 2036 fluidly connects thediode package 2026 and the water channel in the jet tip, allowing waterfrom the reservoir to be transmitted to the outlet aperture 2016. Thesize and/or diameter of the water channel aperture 2036 may be varieddepending on the desired fluid flow volume/pressure out of the jet tip.For example, the larger the diameter of the water channel aperture 2036,the more fluid may flow from the jet tip to the outlet aperture 2016.

The top portion 2032 extends from a top edge of the main body 2028 andcovers the main body 2028. As can be seen from FIG. 23, the top portion2032 includes the outlet aperture 2016 at its center apex. As discussedabove, the outlet aperture 2016 provides an exit for fluid and radiantenergy. In some embodiments, the top portion 2032 and the main body 2028may be integrated with the jet tip, and in other embodiments they may bea separate housing for the diode package 2026 that is removable from thejet tip 2010.

A semiconductor laser diode 2034 extends from a bottom end of the mainbody 2028. The laser diode 2034 is electrically connected to the powersource. Several connection pins 2030 extend from the base of the laserdiode 2034 to connect the diode 2034 to the power wires or otherelectrical connection. There may be two, three, or more pins 2030,depending on the diode used. For example, in some embodiments, inaddition to electrical connections, one of the pins 2030 may be used toprovide a feedback signal from the diode package 2026 to a computer orprocessor. In some implementations, feedback may not be desired and thusadditional pins 2030 beyond electrical contacts, may be omitted.Further, the pins 2030 may be inserted into a receiving receptacle,outlet or the like. For example, the tip head of the jet tip may haveconnection receptacles into which the pins of the diode package 2026 maybe plugged. Such an embodiment allows the pins 2030 of a diode package2026 to be quickly connected and disconnected to the jet tip 2026.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, a barrel-shaped lens 2038 islocated in front of a light emitting region 2048 of the laser diode2034. The barrel lens 2038 may further collimate the light as it isemitted from the laser diode 2034 and focus the emitted light into amore coherent beam. The barrel lens 2038 may be mounted above the laserdiode 2034 and slightly below the inner surface of the top portion 2032of the outer housing 2024, under the outlet aperture 2016. In theseimplementations, the barrel lens 2038 may focus light into a waterstream in the outlet aperture 2016 and minimize light reflection off thetop portion 2032 outside or around the outlet aperture 2016.

In some embodiments, the barrel lens 2038 may be generally cylindricalwith curved end walls, and positioned such that the longer sides of thebarrel lens 2038 are substantially parallel to the main body 2028. Otherimplementations of collimating lenses may also be used. The barrel lens2038 may be glass or another material (e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate,crystal) with appropriate refractive qualities. The barrel lens 2038 maybe spaced farther away from the outlet aperture 2016 than other lensesor embodiments of the radiant energy source 2018 because of thecollimating effects. However, in other implementations, the barrel lens2038 may be spaced in varying distances from the outlet aperture 2016.Additionally, in some embodiments, the barrel lens 2038 may be omitted,or may be replaced with another shaped lens as discussed previouslyabove.

The barrel lens 2038 may be secured in place above the laser diode 2034and below the outlet aperture 2016 via a sealing plug 2046. The sealingplug 2046 seals the laser diode 2034 and the pins 2030 from contact withthe fluid. The sealing plug 2046 may be formed as a generallycylindrical body defining a central axial lumen 2050. In this exemplaryembodiment, a bottom end of the axial lumen 2050 may be sized to acceptthe outer diameter of the laser diode 2034. However, a diameter of a topend of the axial lumen 2050 may be larger to create an annular space2054 around the barrel lens 2038. The axial lumen 2050 of the sealingplug 2046 may further have an intermediate stepped area that receivesand holds the barrel lens 2038 in axial alignment with the lightemitting region 2048 of the laser diode 2034.

An inlet aperture 2056 may also be formed within a sidewall of thesealing plug 2046 in the top end forming the annular space 2054 thataligns with the water channel 2036 in the main wall 2028 of the housing2024, which further aligns with and seals against the median and thewater channel in the jet tip (not shown) This allows fluid flow from thefluid channel in the jet tip to enter the annular space 2054 and fillthe fluid pocket 2040 between the sealing plug 2036 and the inner wallof the top portion 2032 of the housing 2024 before exiting through theoutlet aperture 2016. As the fluid exits the outlet aperture 2016, theradiant energy from the laser diode 2034 is directed by the barrel lens2038 where it is entrained within the exiting fluid stream by refractionof the light at the interface of the water stream and the air once thewater stream leaves the outlet aperture 2016. In these embodiments, thefluid transports and/or directs the radiant energy into the user's mouthfor application at the location of the fluid jet spray.

In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing plug 2046 further defines anannular recess 2052 in the outer wall of the sealing plug 2046 adjacentthe bottom portion of the axial lumen. An O-ring 2044 or other sealingmechanism may be placed within the annular recess 2052 to seal thesealing plug 2046 against the inner wall of the housing 2024 andpreventing fluid from reaching the electrical connection between thepins 2030 and the receptacles within the head of the jet tip.

In some embodiments, the sealing plug 2046 may also act as a heat sink,removing heat from the laser diode 2034. The material used for thesealing plug 2046 (e.g., aluminum or another metal) may be chosen toconduct heat away from the laser diode 2034 and transfer the heat to thefluid in the fluid pocket 2040 that surrounds portions of the sealingplug whereby the heat may be dissipated.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate a third embodiment of a radiant energy sourcein the form of a laser diode package 3026. In this embodiment, a laserdiode 3034 is mounted within a housing 3024 may be used, and a lens orthe like may be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the housing has amain body 3028 and a top portion 3032 in substantially the same conicalform as the embodiment of FIG. 22A. However, in this embodiment, thelaser diode package 3026 is not an integrally formed structure withinthe tip head of the jet tip, but is instead a removable and replaceableunit that can be pressed or snapped within a cavity formed in the tiphead. A fluid connecting aperture 3036 is formed within the main body3028 of the housing 3024 and is aligned to fluidly connect with thewater channel in the jet tip. The laser diode 3034 of this exemplaryembodiment has two pins 3030 that extend from the bottom of the laserdiode 3034 to connect with receptacles in the cavity in the head of thejet tip.

In this exemplary embodiment, the laser diode 3034 is used without alens. A typical laser diode 3034 produces a substantially collimated,narrow beam of radiant energy from a small light emitting region 3048,and thus the lens and other collimating devices may be omitted. As thelight exits the light emitting region 3048 it passes through the fluidpocket 3040 is entrained with fluid exiting the outlet aperture 3016.The fluid surrounded by the air after exiting the outlet aperture 3016then acts as a light/radiant energy guide, transporting the radiantenergy into a user's mouth. In this exemplary embodiment, the fluid inthe fluid pocket 3040 is in direct and substantial contact with thelaser diode 3034 and may provide sufficient cooling of the laser diode3034 that a heat sink may be omitted.

As a collimator or lens is omitted in this embodiment, the distancebetween the outlet aperture 3016 and the light emitting region 3048 maybe reduced to ensure a maximum amount of light energy reaches the user'soral tissue. The length of the exit aperture 3016 may also be chosen tomaximize the light energy entrained within the exiting fluid flow. Asshown in FIG. 26, it may be desirable that the combined distance of thelength of the exit aperture and the space between the inner wall of thetop portion 3032 and the light emitting region 3048 is shorter than thedistance at which the radial dispersion of the light beam is greaterthan the diameter of the outlet aperture 3016. This is because the wallof the outlet aperture 3016 is often more reflective than the fluid/airinterface and creates angles of reflection that are greater than thefluid/air interface can refract and thus more light energy may escapethe stream of water. In some instances, if water is used as the fluidwithin the jet tip 3010, water surrounded by plastic may not be as goodof a guide for the radiant energy as water surrounded by air. The angledarrows shown in the outlet aperture 3016 in FIG. 26 indicate the lightemitted from the laser diode 3034 has traveled through the outletaperture 3016 without hitting the sidewalls and will thus be internallyrefracted within the fluid stream for delivery to the user's oraltissue.

Additionally, the laser diode 3034 may be substantially sealed in thediode package 3026 so as to prevent fluid from coming into contact withthe connection pins 3030 extending from the bottom of the laser diode3034. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the main portion 3028 of thehousing 3024 defines a stepped cavity 3052. The laser diode 3034 issimilarly stepped such that a narrower diameter portion extends upwardinto the fluid pocket 3040 while a larger diameter lower portion issubstantially the same as the inner diameter of the lower portion of themain portion 3028 of the housing. An O-ring 3050 or other sealingmechanism may be placed in the stepped cavity between the step of thelaser diode 3034 and the step of the main portion 3028 of the housing tocreate a seal that prevents fluids within the fluid pocket 3040 fromcompromising the electrical connection between the pins 3030 and thecorresponding receptacles in the head of the jet tip.

It should be noted that various features illustrated with respect to thevarious laser diode embodiments may be implemented in other embodiments.For example, the different types of lenses (including with respect toshapes and materials) may be used with multiple housing configurations,regardless of whether the housing is part of a removable package or isintegrally formed as part of the head of the jet tip. Further, laserdiodes may be used as the radiant energy source within any of the otherembodiments illustrated throughout the disclosure, e.g., within theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower,upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above,below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are onlyused for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding ofthe present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as tothe position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connectionreferences (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to beconstrued broadly and may include intermediate members between acollection of elements and relative movement between elements unlessotherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarilyinfer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation toeach other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration onlyand the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in thedrawings attached hereto may vary.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of theinvention. Although various embodiments of the invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, or withreference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in theart could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of this invention. In particular, itshould be understood that the described technology may be employedindependent of a personal computer. Other embodiments are thereforecontemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changesin detail or structure may be made without departing from the basicelements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An oral irrigator comprising: a fluid reservoir;a pump in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a handle influid communication with the pump; a jet tip in fluid communication withthe handle, wherein the jet tip includes a fluid conduit therein and thefluid conduit has a proximal end adjacent to the handle and an oppositedistal end terminating at a nozzle aperture configured to expel a streamof fluid onto a surface inside an oral cavity; a radiant energy sourcedisposed within the distal end of the fluid conduit and upstream of thenozzle aperture; and a fluid pocket defined within the fluid conduit atleast partially between the radiant energy source and the nozzleaperture, wherein the radiant energy source is in fluid communicationwith the fluid pocket.
 2. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein theradiant energy source further comprises a laser diode configured to emitradiant energy from an emitting region.
 3. The oral irrigator of claim1, wherein the radiant energy source generates radiant energy between350-450 nm.
 4. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein the radiant energysource generates radiant energy between 375-415 nm.
 5. The oralirrigator of claim 1, wherein the radiant energy source generatesradiant energy between 405-415 nm.
 6. The oral irrigator of claim 1,wherein the nozzle aperture defines a diameter smaller than a diameterof the fluid conduit.
 7. The oral irrigator of claim 1, wherein: thenozzle aperture is defined by a sidewall; and the radiant energy sourceis used without a lens and is positioned within the distal end of thefluid conduit and upstream of the nozzle aperture such that radiantenergy emitted from the radiant energy source travels through the nozzleaperture without hitting the sidewall.
 8. An oral irrigator comprising:a pump mechanism; a reservoir in fluid communication with the pumpmechanism; a jet tip in fluid communication with the pump mechanism andincluding a fluid conduit with a distal end terminating at a narrowingnozzle aperture, wherein the jet tip is configured to direct fluidpumped from the reservoir by the pump mechanism through the nozzleaperture as a fluid stream at a surface inside an oral cavity; a laserdiode housed within the distal end of the fluid conduit upstream of thenozzle aperture and configured to generate a coherent stream of radiantenergy at a surface inside the oral cavity; and a fluid pocket definedwithin the fluid conduit at least partially between the laser diode andthe nozzle aperture, wherein the laser diode is in fluid communicationwith the fluid pocket.
 9. The oral irrigator of claim 8, wherein thelaser diode and jet tip are of unitary construction to direct both thefluid and the radiant energy in generally the same direction.
 10. Theoral irrigator of claim 8, wherein the laser diode is mounted within aremovable package for operable coupling with the jet tip.
 11. The oralirrigator of claim 8, wherein the reservoir, the pump mechanism, the jettip, and the laser diode are integrated as a generally unitarycombination.
 12. The oral irrigator of claim 8, wherein the jet tipfurther comprises a fluid channel having a terminal end for directing astream of the fluid therefrom; and the laser diode is positionedadjacent the terminal end of the fluid channel to direct the radiantenergy in generally the same direction as the fluid stream.
 13. The oralirrigator of claim 8, wherein the laser diode is configured to directradiant energy into the fluid stream exiting an outlet of the jet tip.14. The oral irrigator of claim 13, wherein the radiant energy issubstantially internally reflected within the fluid stream.
 15. The oralirrigator of claim 8, wherein the laser diode generates radiant energybetween 350-450 nm.
 16. The oral irrigator of claim 8, wherein the laserdiode generates radiant energy between 375-415 nm.
 17. The oralirrigator of claim 8, wherein the laser diode generates radiant energybetween 405-415 nm.
 18. The oral irrigator of claim 8, wherein the fluidstream is substantially laminar.
 19. An oral irrigator comprising: afluid reservoir; a pump in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir;a jet tip including a nozzle aperture, wherein the jet tip is configuredto direct fluid pumped from the fluid reservoir by the pump onto asurface inside an oral cavity through the nozzle aperture; a fluidconduit providing a fluid pathway from the pump through the nozzleaperture of the jet tip, wherein the fluid conduit is defined by aninterior surface of the jet tip; a fluid pocket defined within the fluidconduit adjacent to the nozzle aperture; and a radiant energy sourcedisposed at least partially within the fluid pocket upstream of thenozzle aperture.
 20. The oral irrigator of claim 19, wherein the nozzleaperture is defined at a terminal end of the jet tip; and the radiantenergy source is disposed between the pump and the nozzle aperture ofthe jet tip.
 21. The oral irrigator of claim 19, wherein at least twoadjacent sides of the radiant energy source are in fluid communicationwith the fluid pocket.
 22. The oral irrigator of claim 19 furthercomprising a handle, wherein the jet tip is fluidically connected to thehandle.
 23. The oral irrigator of claim 22, wherein the jet tip isremovably coupled to the handle.